THE CEO of Limerick’s migrant support organisation Doras has condemned the scenes of violence in Dublin last night (Thursday), saying that the “hate-fuelled response on the streets was completely unacceptable”.
John Lannon was commenting to the Limerick Post having just the day before attended the launch of Limerick’s new Migrant’s Forum, opened by Mayor Gerald Mitchell.
Calling for leadership, Mr Lannon said that he is “saddened by the violence that took place in Dublin yesterday. The attack on children and their carer was horrific, but the hate-fuelled response on the streets was completely unacceptable.”
The riots were sparked off after two children, aged five and six, and a crèche worker in her thirties were seriously injured in a knife attack.
A man in his late 40s or 50s, who Gardaí are considering the main suspect in the knife attack, was also taken for treatment of serious injuries.
“We now need to see responsible leadership from politicians and others, making it clear that hate and intolerance have no place in our society,” Mr Lannon said.
“It is time for the authorities to tackle the orchestrated whipping up of fear in our communities, and for everyone to stop using inflammatory language and spreading lies and disinformation.
“Here in Limerick we have always extended a welcome to everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, skin colour, religion, or gender.
“We must all continue to ensure this remains the case, and we must make it clear that there is no place for far-right organising or for words or actions that make anyone feel unsafe here”.
Elsewhere, national mental health charity Turn2Me says it has tripled its number of free counselling sessions in reaction to yesterday’s violent outbreak in order to help people process the distressing scenes that occurred.
The charity said that many people who witnessed or saw reports of the riots will be “very shaken” and “anxious”.
“We have tripled the number of free counselling sessions available to the public tomorrow, Friday, and this weekend,” Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me said.
“Many people who saw the news coverage of the looting, the burning cars, burning buses, or the assaults on the Gardaí will be very shaken and experiencing high levels of anxiety, particularly if they live in close proximity to the rioting.
“Watching violence of any sort can be very distressing. It can make you feel unsafe and anxious. We have psychotherapists working over the weekend and next week, who will be able to help members of the public with their levels of anxiety. We also run free support groups on depression, anxiety, and grief every week, throughout the year.”
Turn2Me stated that anyone who feels on edge, nervous, or anxious after witnessing the riots in person or on the news can access its free professional mental health services on Turn2Me.ie.
